Ohana or Kona

[gonnago]

Which would you recommend and why

 

[DW2010]

We haven't been to either yet, but was in the same dilemma and ended up choosing 'Ohana since we think it will be more fun for DD.

 

[fcanal]

We stayed at the Poly in November '08. We had dinner at Kona, and Thanksgiving dinner at Ohana. I will tell you that Kona was THE best meal we have had at WDW. It was so good, and the service was great. Maybe it's because we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Ohana, but I didn't think it was memorable. Atmosphere for little kids might be better at Ohana. HTH

 

[MOUSEMAGIC01]

Kona is awesome! We have eaten there twice and it was excellent
both times. Sorry, have never been to Ohana but I do hear its good.
I had a steak w/ teriyaki pineapple glaze and a banana creme brulee
with chocolate on the bottom, excellent! You can't go wrong if you
go to Kona in my opinion.

 

[Goldilocks07]

100% Ohana.
Is Kona good? Yes. But there is no "Disney" experience. (please don't flag me for this, it's just my opinion!). You feel like you could be in this restaurant ANYWHERE...like in the middle of Fort Lauderdale or wherever. It is a boring place to eat (ok, excluding your company, of course ) with no real ambiance. The food, however, is pretty good. I can't argue that.

Now, Ohana- you walk in and FEEL the Polynesian warmth- The bar area is full of bubbly laughing people drinking fruity island-esque cocktails...the excitement as you walk past the GIGANTIC cooking station and see (and of course, smell) all of the grilled items- plus the restaurant is surrounded by windows (so you can see the fireworks if you are there at night). It has a wonderful ambiance- there are 'shows' put on during dinner (mainly for the kids) and it's just a place that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. The food is great- with a wide variety. People have posted pics all over this board...and it just keeps coming out one after another, dish after dish...add that with the experience of the restaurant and it's a formula for Disney food lovin'!

Make a reservation WELL in advance. It books up quickly (and if you have no reservation, and they are booked up, they send you to Kona. Poor Kona. It gets the sloppy seconds....)

 

[KarBear]

Ohana - was one of the best meals and experiences!!!!!
I now tell everyone going to the World they HAVE to go there.

 

[a1tinkfans]

we do both each visit.

Kona is not the same atmosphere and IMHO not the same service....it is typical serve and eat (which is good) versus more family style (they keep bringing food) in Ohanas...then they usually have music and Hawaiian atmosphere....and the kids can play a bit too.....they do games for them...the dessert is AMAZING at Ohana....Kona is also very good (great Kona Kone for kids) ...if I had to choose Id do Ohana....BUT only during typical dinner hours 5-8pm as the late service is more rushed, and less quality from our experience, so if the time were an issue I would do Kona without hesitation. And consider watching the torch lighting ceremony while you are there! Lovely resort! I think you'd like both...good luck!

 

[B-Ride]

We would find it difficult to choose between the two, which is why we always do both.

'Ohana has a great family atmosphere and would be my choice if you have young kids.

IMHO, the food at Kona is better so I would choose Kona if the food was your top priority.

My recommendation would be to do both. If you can't arrange it then do one this trip and one on your next.

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

They are both a must for us each time

Ohana is so wonderful and fun ~ it is truly a memorable experience. In the same way, I agree with one of the posters that Kona is some of the best food that we have eaten at Disney.

This is such a touch call ~ if I had to choose one, I would choose Ohana.

 

[wish*i*was*in*the*vi]

Kona is our favorite restaurant at WDW and we will go out of our way to eat there. We've never had a bad experience there. I'd highly recommend it. I've never had an experience with Ohana, but that type of meal isn't our style. We prefer to order off our menu, not have a set menu of what is being served (if that makes any sense)

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Kona is always a strong, reliable choice for us. Never have we been disappointed. There is a nice selection of dishes, and there's also the sushi bar. Soooo good!

We're trying 'Ohana for the first time on our upcoming trip.

 

[J3nn78]

Ohana gets my vote, though my favorite dessert in all of disney is the banana chocolate creme brulee at Kona

 

[SophiasDad]

We have never been to to Ohana however, we love Kona! The terriyaki steak and the desserts are to die for. A really great meal!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I really like both so I can't choose one over the other. One of the reasons I love the Poly so much. Two great restaurants in one place! I think you just have to sit down, look at both menus and decide which one you'd enjoy more.

 

[Anthony1971]

If you are going for entertainment go to Ohana.
If you want good food go to Kona.
The food is not bad a Ohana but it is by far not what you get at Kona.